In Sweden, you can savor the authentic taste of Argentine pizza and empanadas at Salta Pizza, located at Lindhagensgatan 139A, 112 15 Stockholm, near Hornsbergs Strand. This location is ideal for those seeking to experience the distinctive and rich flavors of Argentine pizza right in the heart of Stockholm.
But first, what exactly is an Argentine pizza? Argentine pizza, a staple of Buenos Aires’ culinary scene and a cultural icon, embodies a unique aspect of the country’s varied gastronomic heritage. Buenos Aires, having the highest number of pizzerias per capita worldwide, is at the forefront of this phenomenon, with an impressive annual consumption of around 14 million pizzas. Introduced by Italian immigrants in the late 19th century, this dish has undergone significant evolution from its modest origins. The pizza de molde, known for its thick, spongy base and generous cheese topping, is a hallmark of Buenos Aires. This variety, akin to focaccia, boasts a delightful mix of a crunchy base and a top smothered in cheese.
The pizza a la piedra, another popular choice, features a thin, crispy crust, offering a contemporary twist on the traditional pizza de molde. Argentine pizzas typically include classic toppings like plain mozzarella, napolitana, and calabresa, each delivering a unique flavor profile. A notable tradition in Buenos Aires is to pair pizza with fainá, a chickpea flour pancake, a custom introduced by Italian, especially Genoese, immigrants. This pairing likely originated in the working-class neighborhood of La Boca.
Local specialties include the fugazzeta, a double-layered pizza filled with cheese and topped with onions, and the pizza de cancha, a variant without cheese but covered in a seasoned tomato sauce. These variations showcase the culinary creativity and adaptability of Buenos Aires, solidifying pizza’s role as a cultural emblem. The journey of Argentine pizza, from its introduction by Italian immigrants to its development into a diverse range of styles, reflects Argentina’s rich cultural mosaic. Today, it is celebrated as a symbol of Buenos Aires, evidencing the city’s history, communal spirit, and culinary ingenuity.
